Visanne for fibroids
My journey with fibroids and endometriosis started fall of 2024. However, I did not know I had endo until after surgery. I had an ultrasound done January or February of 2025 and only one fibroid was found measuring the size of a plum and sitting at the top of my uterus in the muscle. I was constantly bleeding and in fact bleed for just over a year straight until I had a total hysterectomy done March 23 2026. The ultrasound did not pick up the endo and was told the day of my surgery after it was completed when I asked how everything went. There were also a few other smaller fibroids found. I was surprised but not really surprised about the endo just due to constant “flare ups” prior to surgery.
I bled all the time and periods were horrible, the flareups were just awful, passing massive clots and heavy bleeding, along with terrible cramps. Shortly after the ultrasound (back in early 2025), I just couldn’t deal with all the bleeding and pain. One of the doctors I’d seen prescribed me visanne (dienogest) and explained what it’s meant for (to stop the period). When I should have been thrilled about the medication and I was still hesitant to take it. My entire life (prior to fibroids and endo) I have never taken birth control or any hormones. My period was always regular and did not like the idea of taking synthetic hormones. I kept the prescription but did not take it until a couple months later purely out of desperation to stop the bleeding. The first few days taking it things slowed right down to almost nothing but then went into reverse and each day progressive got heavier and heavier. I was not told visanne has a common side effect of causing bleeding for the first few months whilw my body is trying to get used to the hormone. As months went by I kept taking it despite the constant bleeding. I kept telling myself this will get better. Nearly 6 months passed and I started noticing some improvement but not a lot. My period became more regular but spotting to light bleeding still occurred when I was supposed to be off my period. 9 months later and finally speaking with a gynecologist, I was told it can take up to 12 months for visanne to fully work (for some women) but it’s not a one shoe fits all and may not work for everyone. At this point I’ve been taking it for so long and kept encouraging myself to keep taking it. 10 months later I finally did not have a period – I was thrilled!! The next month came around, and I got my period but it was like x2 and was just awful!! Flareups became worse, everything was worse than before. February 2026 rolls around and I finally get the call from my gynecologist letting me know I booked for surgery March 23.
Prior to taking visanne, I could not find much information about people taking it just for fibroids. I found mostly medical studies by doctors but nothing tangible on forums or other outlets. I wanted to share my story and experience with others in hopes it may be helpful for others. Mind you, I did have endometriosis but did not know this until after surgery. So, as a result visanne is not a guarantee for everyone for both fibroids and endo.